Moviefone Editorial

Tag: musical-biopic

  • Craig Brewer Directing Snoop Dogg Biopic

    (Left) Director Craig Brewer on the set of 'Coming 2 America'. Photo: Amazon Prime Video. (Right) Snoop Dogg in 'Dolemite Is My Name'. Photo: François Duhamel/Netflix.
    (Left) Director Craig Brewer on the set of ‘Coming 2 America’. Photo: Amazon Prime Video. (Right) Snoop Dogg in ‘Dolemite Is My Name’. Photo: François Duhamel/Netflix.

    Preview:

    • A Snoop Dogg biopic is in the works.
    • Director Craig Brewer will handle the movie.
    • ‘Outer Banks’ Jonathan Daviss has been cast as Snoop.

    The spate of musical biopics in the works continues, and the latest is for someone we’re actually surprised hasn’t already gotten a fully authorized one.

    Universal, which has seen box office and awards success with the likes of ‘Straight Outta Compton’ and ‘8 Mile,’ is putting the pieces together for a Snoop Dogg movie. Yes, the star of ‘The Underdoggs’ (okay, he’s done more than that –– see below) will be the focus of a biopic with Brian Grazer and Snoop himself among its producers.

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    Deadline reports that Craig Brewer (‘Hustle & Flow’) is on board to make the movie, and is going to do a pass on the script, which originated with ‘Black Panther’s Joe Robert Cole.

    It’s all part of a deal that Snoop’s Death Row Pictures production company hatched with NBCUniversal Entertainment in April this year.

    This was Snoop’s comment at the time:

    “Not everyone has the courage and vision to see what Death Row Pictures can bring to the table, but Donna and the NBCUniversal team have always understood, which is why I am proud to call NBCUniversal my new home. The Dogg has officially moved into the neighborhood, ya dig?”

    Jonathan Daviss, who plays Pope in the Netflix series ‘Outer Banks’ has won the role of Snoop, per Deadline.

    Jonathan Daviss attends the 'Outer Banks' Season 4 Charleston World Premiere on October 08, 2024. Photo: Jeff Hahne/Getty Images for Netflix.
    Jonathan Daviss attends the ‘Outer Banks’ Season 4 Charleston World Premiere on October 08, 2024. Photo: Jeff Hahne/Getty Images for Netflix.

    Related Article: Snoop Dogg and Tika Sumpter Talk New Sports Movie ‘The Underdoggs’

    What is Snoop Dogg’s story?

    Snoop Dogg as Jaycen "Two Js" Jennings in director Charles Stone III's 'The Underdoggs,' an Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo credit: Wilford Harewood. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    Snoop Dogg as Jaycen “Two Js” Jennings in director Charles Stone III’s ‘The Underdoggs,’ an Amazon MGM Studios film. Photo credit: Wilford Harewood. © 2024 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Snoop Dogg, born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. on October 20, 1971, in Long Beach, California, is a legendary figure in hip-hop and an influential pop culture icon. His nickname “Snoop” came from his mother, who thought he resembled Snoopy from Peanuts.

    The neighborhood where he grew up was a tough one, and he was involved in gangs and had multiple run-ins with the law.

    Snoop was discovered by Dr. Dre in the early 1990s and was featured on Dre’s 1992 debut solo album “The Chronic.” He released his debut album “Doggystyle” in 1993, which debuted at No. 1 and became a classic West Coast G-funk record.

    Released numerous albums across several labels including “Tha Doggfather, ” “R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece,” and “Doggumentary” His hits include “Gin and Juice” and “Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)”

    Snoop has showed a knack for re-inventing himself, including as Snoop Lion in 2012 during a reggae phase and spiritual journey to Jamaica, before returning to rap and even venturing into gospel with 2018’s “Bible of Love.”

    He’s collaborated with a wide variety of artists across music genres including Tupac Shakur, Pharrell Williams and Katy Perry.

    The famed stoner has turned his favorite pastime into a business, investing in cannabis businesses, but diversifying to tech, and media (including acquiring Death Row Records in 2022, and expanding it into his Death Row company).

    On screen, he’s appeared numerous movies, including ‘Training Day,’ ‘Baby Boy,’, ‘Soul Plane’ and ‘Starsky & Hutch.’ On television, he has made memorable guest appearances on shows such as ‘The Boondocks,’ ‘Empire,’ and ‘Monk,’ and has hosted his own series. He was a big hit at last year’s Paris Olympics.

    And, perhaps most surprisingly, he’s a good friend and frequent collaborator with culinary and home furnishing icon Martha Stewart.

    This year, Snoop sparked controversy when he agreed to perform at one of Donald Trump’s inaugural balls.

    Here’s how he responded on Instagram to criticism of the decision:

    “It’s Sunday I got gospel in my heart. For all the hate I’m going to answer with love, I love too much. Get your life right, stop worrying about mine. I’m cool. I’m together. Still a Black man. Still 100 percent Black. All out ’til you ball out or ’til you fall out.”

    What else has Craig Brewer worked on?

    (Left) Eddie Murphy, Shari Headley and director Craig Brewer on the set of 'Coming 2 America'. Photo: Amazon Prime Video.
    (Left) Eddie Murphy, Shari Headley and director Craig Brewer on the set of ‘Coming 2 America’. Photo: Amazon Prime Video.

    While Brewer made his directorial debut with 2000’s ‘The Poor & Hungry,’ it was ‘Hustle & Flow’ in 2005 that really saw him break out. The movie, which starred Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson in the story of a Memphis pimp in a mid-life crisis who attempts to become a successful hip-hop emcee.

    It scored an Oscar nomination for Howard and hip hop group Three 6 Mafia took home a statuette for their song “It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp.”

    Brewer went on to the likes of ‘Black Snake Moan,’ the ‘Footloose’ remake, and two projects with Eddie Murphy, ‘Dolemite is my Name’ (which features Snoop in a role) and ‘Coming 2 America.’)

    His latest movie, ‘Song Sung Blue,’ which chronicles the ups and downs of Lightning and Thunder, a Milwaukee husband and wife Neil Diamond tribute act, starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, is due in theaters on Christmas Day.

    When will the Snoop Dogg biopic be on screens?

    It’s too early for any release date news on this one –– we’ll have to wait and see how quickly the movie comes together, but Daviss’ casting is certainly a positive step forward.

    Snoop Dogg stars in 'The Underdoggs.'
    Snoop Dogg stars in ‘The Underdoggs.’

    List of Biopics Based on Musicians:

    Buy Snoop Dogg Movies and TV On Amazon

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  • Nick Jonas Joins KISS Biopic ‘Shout It Out Loud’

    (Left) Nick Jonas in 'The Good Half'. Photo: Utopia. (Right) Paul Stanley of Kiss in 'Kiss Rocks Vegas'. Photo: Eagle Rock Entertainment.
    (Left) Nick Jonas in ‘The Good Half’. Photo: Utopia. (Right) Paul Stanley of Kiss in ‘Kiss Rocks Vegas’. Photo: Eagle Rock Entertainment.

    Preview:

    • Nick Jonas is boarding KISS biopic ‘Shout It Out Loud.’
    • McG is in the director’s chair.
    • Darren Lemke wrote the most recent draft of the script.

    Last September, we brought the news that ‘Shout It Out Loud,’ the long-gestating music biopic of iconic rockers KISS had taken a big step forward, as ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Uglies’ director McG was making a deal to direct it.

    Since then, he’s officially signed on and developed the movie further, and now Deadline brings word that singer/actor Nick Jonas will play a key role in the film, that of KISS lead singer Paul Stanley.

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    With the movie really starting to come together, the aim is now to kick off shooting either late this year or early in 2026, with Jonas given the time to train to perform Stanley’s trademark power vocals.

    A key further element for the movie is tracking down a star who can appear as legendary bass player Gene Simmons.

    Related Article: McG Making a Deal to Direct Biopic ‘Shout It Out Loud’, About Glam Rockers KISS

    Who are KISS?

    Kiss with the cast of 'Detroit Rock City'. Photo: New Line Cinema.
    Kiss with the cast of ‘Detroit Rock City’. Photo: New Line Cinema.

    Should you not already be aware of the glam-rockers, here’s a little history lesson…

    KISS was formed in New York City by Stanley, Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss in 1973. Known for their signature kabuki-style face paint and larger-than-life, pyrotechnic-filled performances, the band broke out with the 1975 live album “Alive!” which featured the anthem “Rock and Roll All Nite” and solidified their status as one of the era’s top acts.

    The band’s most successful albums include “Destroyer,” “Love Gun,” “Alive II” and “Dynasty,” which produced hits including “Beth,” “Detroit Rock City” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.”

    Frehley and Criss departed KISS decades ago, leaving Simmons and Stanley as the lone original members. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, the band spent four years on the road for their farewell “End of the Road” World Tour, officially retiring after their final concert at Madison Square Garden in December.

    Yet despite leaving the stage themselves, they’ve set up digital avatars which will continue to play virtual concert sets. And the group sold their music catalog, name, image and likeness to the Sweden-based Pophouse Entertainment in April last year, in a deal reportedly worth more than $300 million.

    We now know a little more about the movie –– it’ll focus primarily on the group’s early formation in the 1970s.

    Here’s what Stanley has said about his time before joining the band:

    “I was deaf in one ear and had a slight deformity that made me look different. I was this short, fat kid, and music became my salvation, a place to hide and dream. And when I played music, there were always girls around.”

    And here’s Simmons on what drew him from his life as a Hasidic Orthodox Jew from Israel to rock music:

    “I remember walking out onto the street, seeing this Spanish girl jumping rope across the street, and staring at her long black hair slapping against this great butt. It occurred to me this was better than religion. How could I get near that?”

    Where else have we seen Nick Jonas?

    Nick Jonas in 'The Good Half'. Photo: Utopia.
    Nick Jonas in ‘The Good Half’. Photo: Utopia.

    Jonas grew up on the Broadway stage in numerous musicals, including starring turns in ‘Les Misérables,’ ‘Hairspray’ and ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,’ and he played singer Frankie Valli in ‘Jersey Boys Live.’

    He’s best known in music circles as part of family band The Jonas Brothers. The group –– siblings Kevin and Joe among them—rose to fame in the mid-2000s. They gained popularity through the Disney Channel, starring in ‘Camp Rock’ and their own show ‘Jonas.’ Their early albums like “It’s About Time” and “A Little Bit Longer” were big commercial successes.

    The band took a hiatus in 2013 to pursue solo projects but reunited in 2019 with the hit single “Sucker”, which topped the Billboard Hot 100. They released the comeback album “Happiness Begins” the same year. They’ve continued touring and releasing music since.

    Yet Nick has also found time to build out his acting career, appearing in movies such as ‘Midway,’ ‘Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,’ ‘Goat’ and ‘You’re Cordially Invited.’ He recently worked on ‘Power Ballad’ opposite Paul Rudd.

    When will ‘Shout It Out Loud’? be in theaters?

    Backers STX Entertainment haven’t yet set a release date for the movie, presumably holding off until more cast are announced.

    (L to R) Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Paul Stanley of Kiss in 'Kiss Rocks Vegas'. Photo: Eagle Rock Entertainment.
    (L to R) Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, and Paul Stanley of Kiss in ‘Kiss Rocks Vegas’. Photo: Eagle Rock Entertainment.

    Other McG Movies:

    Buy McG Movies on Amazon

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  • Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor & Mick Jagger Develop New Music Biopic

    (Left) Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor stars as Hattie in director RaMell Ross’s 'Nickel Boys', from Orion Pictures. Photo: Courtesy of Orion Pictures. © 2024 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Mick Jagger presents the Oscar® for Original Song during the live ABC Telecast of the 97th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Credit/Provider: Phil McCarten / The Academy. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    (Left) Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor stars as Hattie in director RaMell Ross’s ‘Nickel Boys’, from Orion Pictures. Photo: Courtesy of Orion Pictures. © 2024 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved. (Right) Mick Jagger presents the Oscar® for Original Song during the live ABC Telecast of the 97th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Credit/Provider: Phil McCarten / The Academy. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Preview:

    • Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Mick Jagger are developing a biopic of Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
    • Ellis-Taylor is writing the script and may play the iconic musician.
    • It’ll be based partly on Gayle Wald’s biography of Tharpe.

    Biopics of iconic musicians still do solid business and frequently show up in awards contention –– see the recent Bob Dylan effort ‘A Complete Unknown’ for proof of that. So ‘Nickel Boys’ Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Mick Jagger (no slouch himself in the musical legend department) are hoping the appetite is there for a movie about rock and roll legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe.

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    Deadline brings word that Ellis-Taylor is writing a script and is on board to produce the movie alongside Jagger (who is shepherding via his Jagged Films company), but there is no mention yet of whether the former would star.

    Related Article: Director Ava DuVernay and Actress Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Talk ‘Origin’

    What’s the story of the Sister Rosetta Tharpe?

    Sister Rosetta in 'Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll'. Photo: PBS American Masters.
    Sister Rosetta in ‘Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Godmother of Rock & Roll’. Photo: PBS American Masters.

    Rising to fame in the 1930s and ’40s, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a trailblazing gospel guitarist and singer whose fearless transgressions of musical boundaries laid the foundation for rock and roll.

    An artist who broke barriers as a Black woman in music, she influenced countless legends with her music, including the likes of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Chuck Berry, Tina Turner, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, and Little Richard.

    Like other artists who didn’t get all the recognition they deserved, Tharpe’s contributions to music were to some degree overlooked during her lifetime, even as she was dubbed “the Godmother of Rock and Roll.” She died in 1973 and was only inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously in 2018.

    And her legacy persists through her music; her songs frequently appear in movies and shows, including, most recently, 2022 series  ‘A League of Their Own,’ ‘Atlanta,’ ‘Death on the Nile,’ ‘I Know This Much is True’ and ‘Elvis & Nixon.’

    In a key point, the movie has the participation of Tharpe’s estate, which has granted rights to her music catalogue. And the script will draw from Gayle Wald’s definitive biography ‘Shout, Sister, Shout!: The Untold Story of Rock-and-Roll Trailblazer Sister Rosetta Tharpe,’ to which the producers secured exclusive rights.

    In addition to the scripted feature on Tharpe, a companion documentary, featuring access to her musical catalogue, is currently in the works.

    That film will explore Tharpe’s legacy through interviews with friends, collaborators, music scholars, and protégés, offering access to Wald’s exclusive recordings with gospel singer Marie Knight, Tharpe’s closest friend and collaborator.

    And alongside Ellis-Taylor and Jagger, the new project has the backing of Tribeca Studios and Inaudible Productions.

    Sister Rosetta Tharpe biopic: the producers speak

    Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor stars as Hattie in director RaMell Ross’s 'Nickel Boys', from Orion Pictures. Photo: Courtesy of Orion Pictures. © 2024 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.
    Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor stars as Hattie in director RaMell Ross’s ‘Nickel Boys’, from Orion Pictures. Photo: Courtesy of Orion Pictures. © 2024 Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.

    Here’s what Ellis-Taylor had to say about the movie and Tharpe:

    “With six guitar strings and an amplifier as a battering ram, Sister Rosetta Tharpe knocked down the Jericho walls of convention and respectability. I’m thrilled to partner with Tribeca, Jagged Films and Inaudible Films to usher Sister Rosetta, a queer woman shaped in the pews of the Black South, to the screen.”

    As for Jagger:

    “I’m so thrilled to be a part in telling the story of Sister Rosetta Tharpe who was a trailblazing singer and electrifying guitarist. She reshaped music history and influenced countless artists.”

    Finally, here’s Jane Rosenthal of Tribeca Films:

    “The company is proud to champion the bold storytelling of Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor to bring this enigmatic icon’s story to light.”

    Isn’t there another Sister Rosetta Tharpe biopic in the works?

    (L to R): Lizzo and Jack Black in 'The Mandalorian.' Photo: Lucasfilm/Disney+
    (L to R): Lizzo and Jack Black in ‘The Mandalorian.’ Photo: Lucasfilm/Disney+

    It’s true –– this is not the only project about Tharpe making its way through development.

    Amazon MGM Studios is putting together its own take on her story, with ‘About Damn Time’ singer Lizzo attached to play Tharpe.

    According to a Deadline report from back in March, Natalie Chaidez and Kwynn Perry are working on a screenplay that, “captures a pivotal period in her life — one of groundbreaking innovation, defiant passion, and secret love. As she shatters musical boundaries with her signature guitar sound, Rosetta must navigate societal constraints, conceal her love for another woman, and ultimately transform a wedding into one of the most legendary concerts in history — the first stadium show.”

    Which will successfully make it to screens? Let’s find out! Perhaps both will emerge at the same time for a classic ‘Armageddon’/‘Deep Impact’–style face-off, only with more guitars.

    When will the Tharpe biopic be on screens?

    That’s a tough question to answer right now since it’s still at a nascent stage. But given that the Ellis-Taylor/Jagger movie has the family’s backing and those crucial music rights, it definitely has a good shot.

    Mick Jagger presents the Oscar® for Original Song during the live ABC Telecast of the 97th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Credit/Provider: Phil McCarten / The Academy. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Mick Jagger presents the Oscar® for Original Song during the live ABC Telecast of the 97th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Credit/Provider: Phil McCarten / The Academy. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    List of Biopics Based on Musicians:

    Buy Sister Rosetta Tharpe Music On Amazon

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  • McG to direct KISS Biopic ‘Shout It Out Loud’

    (Left) Director McG at the premiere of 'Terminator Salvation'. (Right) Kiss in 'Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park'. Photo: Hanna-Barbera Productions.
    (Left) Director McG at the premiere of ‘Terminator Salvation’. (Right) Kiss in ‘Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park’. Photo: Hanna-Barbera Productions.

    Preview:

    • McG is setting a deal to direct ‘Shout It Out Loud,’ a biopic of glam supergroup KISS.
    • Details on what the movie will exactly cover are unknown.
    • STX Entertainment is producing the new film.

    Music biopics continue to be popular, with a handful at different stages of production or development right now, including films about Michael Jackson, Janis Joplin and Joni Mitchell to name but a few.

    And a movie about iconic glam rockers KISS is something that at least one company –– that would be Netflix, which had ‘Maleficent: Mistress of Evil’ and ‘Young Woman and the Sea’ director Joachim Rønning attached back in 2021, before the project fell into turnaround.

    Now STX has moved to nab the rights from Polygram Entertainment, and director McG –– who has YA sci-fi thriller ‘Uglies’ hitting Netflix –– is locking down a deal to direct.

    The most recent draft of the script is written by Darren Lemke, is based on a prior screenplay by Ole Sanders.

    Related Article: Marisa Abela and Director Sam Taylor-Johnson Talk ‘Back to Black’

    Who are KISS?

    Kiss with the cast of 'Detroit Rock City'. Photo: New Line Cinema.
    Kiss with the cast of ‘Detroit Rock City’. Photo: New Line Cinema.

    Should you not already be aware of the glam-rockers, here’s a little history lesson…

    KISS was formed in New York City by Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss in 1973. Known for their signature kabuki-style face paint and larger-than-life, pyrotechnic-filled performances, the band broke out with the 1975 live album “Alive!” which featured the anthem “Rock and Roll All Nite” and solidified their status as one of the era’s top acts.

    The band’s most successful albums include “Destroyer,” “Love Gun,” “Alive II” and “Dynasty,” which produced hits including “Beth,” “Detroit Rock City” and “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.”

    Frehley and Criss departed KISS decades ago, leaving Simmons and Stanley as the lone original members. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014, the band spent four years on the road for their farewell “End of the Road” World Tour, officially retiring after their final concert at Madison Square Garden in December.

    Yet despite leaving the stage themselves, they’ve set up digital avatars which will continue to play virtual concert sets. And the group sold their music catalog, name, image and likeness to the Sweden-based Pophouse Entertainment in April, in a deal reportedly worth more than $300 million.

    As for whether the movie will go the full story route or focus on one chunk? That remains to be seen.

    What else is McG working on?

    (L to R) Clayne Crawford and director McG on the set of 'Lethal Weapon'. Photo: Richard Foreman/Fox.
    (L to R) Clayne Crawford and director McG on the set of ‘Lethal Weapon’. Photo: Richard Foreman/Fox.

    Currently, the director is in production on ‘Way of the Warrior Kid’, the adaptation of Jocko Willink’s book about a self-doubting, bullied boy who learns to find his inner warrior with the help of his Navy SEAL uncle.

    Chris Pratt, Jude Hill and Linda Cardellini are starring in the new movie, which is being produced by Apple and Skydance.

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    When will ‘Shout It Out Loud’? be in theaters?

    There is no word on a release date just yet.

    Kiss in 'Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery'. Photo: Warner Home Video.
    Kiss in ‘Scooby-Doo! and Kiss: Rock and Roll Mystery’. Photo: Warner Home Video.

    Other McG Movies:

    Buy McG Movies on Amazon

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  • Shailene Woodley to Play Janis Joplin

    (Left) Shailene Woodley arrives for the 84th Annual Academy Awards® from Hollywood, CA February 26, 2012. Credit/Provider: Heather Ikei / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S. (Right) Janis Joplin in the documentary 'Janis: Little Girl Blue'. Photo: FilmRise.
    (Left) Shailene Woodley arrives for the 84th Annual Academy Awards® from Hollywood, CA February 26, 2012. Credit/Provider: Heather Ikei / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S. (Right) Janis Joplin in the documentary ‘Janis: Little Girl Blue’. Photo: FilmRise.

    Preview:

    • Shailene Woodley will play singer Janis Joplin in a new movie.
    • She’s also producing the film.
    • The biopic is benefitting from a $2.5 million tax credit handed out by California.

    Given her albeit tragically short-lived but storied contribution to the world of music, it’s shocking that no-one has been able to bring a movie about Janis Joplin to screens yet.

    Still, that isn’t stopping Shailene Woodley, who has plans to star in and produce exactly that.

    Few details have emerged about who else is involved –– we don’t, for example, know who the writer or director are yet –– but production company Temple Hill is backing the film, which has now received $2.5 million in funding from the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program.

    Who was Janis Joplin?

    Janis Joplin in the 1974 documentary 'Janis'. Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Janis Joplin in the 1974 documentary ‘Janis’. Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Joplin was a musical icon of the 1960s, known as much for her searing blues songwriting and powerful voice as she was for her turbulent rock-and-roll lifestyle. The powerhouse behind ‘Mercedes Benz’ and a variety of respected covers, she died of an overdose in 1970, aged 27, shocking the music world.

    Her life has been brought to screens in a couple of TV movies, but so far, big screen attempts have all faltered (see below).

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    Who else has tried to make a Janis Joplin biopic?

    ‘Wayne’s World’ director Penelope Spheeris.
    ‘Wayne’s World’ director Penelope Spheeris.

    At this point, it might be easier and quicker to fill a list of who hasn’t tried to make a film about, or star as, Joplin.

    ‘Wayne’s World’ director Penelope Spheeris had first Pink attached in 2004 and then Zooey Deschanel in 2006, looking to get ‘The Gospel According To Janis’ into theaters ahead of an effort by Lakeshore Entertainment, which boasted of landing Renee Zellweger to star.

    Sean Durkin, who most recently made ‘The Iron Claw’, took a stab at the idea back in 2012, with Tony winner Nina Arianda playing Janis, but nothing came of that one. Durkin popped back up again with an effort in 2016 that seemingly landed Michelle Williams to star, only for things to go very quiet once more.

    You’ll forgive us, then, for not holding our breath until the movie is actually in theaters.

    Related Article: Director Penelope Spheeris Talks 30th Anniversary of ‘Wayne’s World’

    What did Shailene Woodley say about the new effort?

    Shailene Woodley arrives at the 14th Governors Awards in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Credit/Provider: Trae Patton / @ A.M.P.A.S Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Shailene Woodley arrives at the 14th Governors Awards in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. Credit/Provider: Trae Patton / @ A.M.P.A.S Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Woodley seems excited that her version of the story now has a boost for its funding.

    Here’s her statement:

    “I have a feeling Janis would be smiling ear to ear, zipping down the PCH in her psychedelic Porsche knowing her story is bringing opportunities and funding to the city and people that held so much significance to her. Thank you to the California Film Commission’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program — myself and the other producers on this project believe California is the only place to film a slice of Janis’s life with authenticity and truth — and we are so grateful to have received the green light to do so!”

    Actress Shailene Woodley attends the 2011 Governors Awards in the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in Hollywood®, CA, Saturday, November 12. Credit/Provider: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.
    Actress Shailene Woodley attends the 2011 Governors Awards in the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in Hollywood®, CA, Saturday, November 12. Credit/Provider: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S. Copyright: ©A.M.P.A.S.

    Other Movies Similar to Untitled Janis Joplin Movie:

    Buy Janis Joplin Music on Amazon

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  • ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ Interview: Kingsley Ben-Adir

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    The new biopic ‘Bob Marley: One Love,’ which chronicles the life of the late reggae singer opens in theaters on February 14th. Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (‘King Richard’), the movie stars Kingsley Ben-Adir (‘Barbie’) in the title role.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Bob Marley: One Love’

    Kingsley Ben-Adir at the 'Bob Marley: One Love' premiere.
    Kingsley Ben-Adir at the ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ premiere. Photo: Alex J. Berliner/ABImages.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kingsley Ben-Adir about his work on ‘Bob Marley: One Love,’ what audience can expect from the new movie, and how he prepared to play the iconic Bob Marley.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video layer above to watch our interviews with Ben-Adir and director Reinaldo Marcus Green.

    Kingsley Ben-Adir stars in 'Bob Marley: One Love.'
    Kingsley Ben-Adir stars in ‘Bob Marley: One Love.’

    Moviefone: To begin with, what would you say to audience members getting ready to watch this movie to prepare them for the theatrical experience they are about to have?

    Kingsley Ben-Adir: It’s a movie that’s looking at a specific period of Bob’s life, it starts in 1976. But the journey for me, from the beginning really with Ziggy Marley, with the family, and with Bob’s friends and people who knew him and who loved him, our journey was about trying to tap into a little bit of Bob’s spirit and to find a human side to him. Everyone’s got an idea of who Bob is, but on a personal level, the exploration of trying to understand what he was going through at that time. I feel for the fans or people who don’t know Bob, in the context of this story, to understand him on a personal level is to connect with him on a personal level and is to see the issues that Bob experienced or the struggles that Bob experienced and to feel connected to him. To be like, “Oh, I may have felt that too.” We wanted you to see the human side to him. It’s what was interesting for me in the journey of making the film, but I also think in connecting with audiences emotionally, we have the music for free, people are going to connect with that. But to see him on a journey, a human journey, I hope will have a similar impact, to understand the spirit of Bob a little bit more and to re-engage with the music and the lyrics. When you study Bob’s songs and you understand the full meaning of what he’s saying from the beginning to the end, the power of the music elevates to another level. I had to have an honest conversation with myself and be like, “I didn’t understand everything Bob was saying at the beginning.” I had to really study the language of Jamaican Patois, and I did that with the family and Jamaicans who surrounded the project. It’s an experience where I hope they feel a little closer to Bob maybe.

    Kingsley Ben-Adir as “Bob Marley” in 'Bob Marley: One Love' from Paramount Pictures.
    Kingsley Ben-Adir as “Bob Marley” in ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ from Paramount Pictures.

    MF: Finally, can you talk about your research and preparation for this role and how you approached playing someone as iconic as Bob Marley?

    KBA: It was just an understanding from the beginning that there’s only one Bob. I’m never going to try and pretend to be Bob; I can only really try and access a little bit of his spirit and understand and empathize with what he was going through at that time. It must’ve been a lot. He nearly died. Then he had to go into exile in London and he was there for two years, and he made that album and then he got the diagnosis. There was a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. From human to human, the tribute to him or the love letter from the family is like, “Dad, we see you. We see that you might have been going through some stuff.” But no one had time to see that because he’s got be the tough gun. Bob was the leader of many people; he employed many people. We wanted to tap into the private side of Bob when the cameras weren’t there, when he’s on his own in his room. What was it like when he’s just writing on his own? We had Neville Garrick with us every day on set, and Neville was also with Bob in London at the time in the room when Bob was writing the album. There was this connection of people who were there at the time with him that were with us.

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    What is the Plot of ‘Bob Marley: One Love’?

    Jamaican singer-songwriter Bob Marley (Kingsley Ben-Adir) overcomes adversity to become the most famous reggae musician in the world.

    Who is in the Cast of ‘Bob Marley: One Love’?

    Kinglsey Ben-Adir as “Bob Marley” in 'Bob Marley: One Love' from Paramount Pictures.
    Kinglsey Ben-Adir as “Bob Marley” in ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ from Paramount Pictures.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Bob Marley: One Love’:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Bob Marley: One Love’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Bob Marley Music on Amazon

     

  • ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody’ Interview

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    Opening in theaters on December 23rd is the new biopic about singer and actress Whitney Houston entitled ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ which was directed by Kasi Lemmons (‘Eve’s Bayou’).

    Naomi Ackie (‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’) stars as Whitney Houston, as the film examines her life, career, and relationships with her parents Cissy (Tamara Tunie) and John (Clarke Peters), her mentor Clive Davis (Stanley Tucci), and her friend and assistant Robyn Crawford (Nafessa Williams).

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Naomi Ackie about her work on ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody,’ playing the music icon, getting her moves right, and working with Nafessa Williams on Robyn and Whitney’s relationship.

    Naomi Ackie stars in 'Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody.'
    Naomi Ackie stars in ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody.’

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Ackie, Nafessa Williams, and director by Kasi Lemmons.

    Moviefone: To begin with, What does it mean to you both personally and professionally, to have the opportunity to play Whitney Houston and to be a part of telling her story?

    Naomi Ackie: It’s a huge deal. It’s been a really life-changing event in my life. It was a catalyst for a lot of lessons for me, at a really important turning point in my life. From a career aspect, but also on a personal level, the things that I learnt about how I like to work and the connections that I have made, have really changed the course of my life, and I am really grateful for that.

    Naomi Ackie in Tristar Pictures 'Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.'
    Naomi Ackie in Tristar Pictures ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.’

    MF: I wanted to ask you about your approach to playing Whitney because you had all her moves down right, from every shoulder shrug, to every finger point and hand raise. Can you talk about really studying her as a performer?

    NA: It took about eight months to really feel comfortable enough to begin to play, so it was a lot of technical stuff. In terms of movement, I worked with my friend and also my movement coach. We went through every single live performance we could find, and looked for patterns within those performances.

    Then we actually ended up giving them names too. It was like a whole thing. We did it all over the summer, and there is a video of me where my friend shouts out the name of a move and I’d do the thing. So, by the time we came out and she was choreographing the bigger performances that I was doing, she would shout out the name of the thing and I was like, I know what that is, and then do it. So, it was really fun as well. We laughed a lot. There was a lot of exploration to be had.

    Nafessa Williams and Naomi Ackie in Tristar Pictures 'Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.'
    (L to R) Nafessa Williams and Naomi Ackie in Tristar Pictures ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.’

    MF: Finally, can you talk about Whitney’s relationship to Robyn Crawford, as it is depicted in the film, and working on that relationship with actress Nafessa Williams?

    NA: I mean, for me and Nafessa, it was an instantaneous connection, and it was weird because it was on Zoom and it’s really hard to build up any kind of level of chemistry on that thing. But she was so amazing that it worked and we instantly were like, oh, this is it. Because really what you need for that relationship is two people who are really fond of each other and connected to each other, and have a great bond and a deep love for each other.

    So, when we were discussing it, we were just so on the same page because that’s one of Whitney’s most important relationships in her life. I think it was one of her formative relationships when it came to friendship, when it came to love, and it changed over time in a beautiful way, and in a not so beautiful way. It’s complicated, and that’s the story that deserves to be told.

    Naomi Ackie in Tristar Pictures 'Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.'
    Naomi Ackie in Tristar Pictures ‘Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody.’
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